Thursday

Quinoa....what is that ??

What is Quinoa!! went thru my mind when i saw it in whole foods a couple of years back. I did not pick it up but was definately intrigued..i then heard about it.... in vegan and vegetarian forums and thought that perhaps i would try it out. The first time i bought it .. i peered in, it looked really like fat mustard seeds but creamy in color, i put the packet in a canistor and forgot about it. I think more than forget, i was too lazy to experiment.. what if i don't like this! i have to make something else!! or nope.. no veggies at home..yeah right ;). But, you get the point, it was one excuse after another and then it happened.. i got bored of eating indian,mexican,chinese,sushi and yes.. indo-chinese..so it was then i said what the hell.. just make it and i love it and it is quite regular at my home.

The texture as nutty and delicious, but i also feel it is very light to eat, so it great for dinner.. as i will not feel guilty when i walk to baskin and robbins for desert.. yep! they are that close to my home he he he

This quinoa dish is a mix of both indian and italian flavors.. no parm cheese tho :(

1. Wash the quinoa a couple of times using a fine mesh strainer and cook it in a pot adding 2 cups of water. Boil the quinoa and water, then let it simmer to cook well.When cooked, take out from heat and let this cool, the grains will be quite sepetate by now.

2. In a pan, add the oil, then add the chopped rosemary,garlic,green chilly,onions and carrots and cook in medium heat till soft.

3. Add the peas,raisins and salt and cook in medium heat till all the veggies are cooked.

4. Now add the pine-nuts and the cooled quinoa and stir this gently.

5. Take out from heat and serve warm.

Notes:

1. Do not add more than 2 cups of water to cook the quinoa. Maintain the 1:2 ratio.

2. Toast the pine-nuts in a seperate saucepan before you add to the quinoa.

3. Make sure you do not burn the veggies.. i know u guys will not.. but the quinoa is delicate and all the flavors show.

4. The 1 cup makes tons...i mean it, so plenty of left-overs :)

Now guys, i want you people to try it out.. no you do not have to follow my recipe.. but i think it is fun when we try something new.. you know, they all taste great :)

Hey Rajitha,This is my first time here. Thanks so much for visiting my blog. You have a lovely blog! Very unique recipes. The ribbon pakodam looks good! even the picture is great! And the oolan looks very delicious.Quinoa is one of our favorites too. I usually make a salad out of it. Nver tried upma - though i make upma with couscous often. Will try u're recipe sometime.CheersLatha

Hey Rajitha, I was going to make a quinoa dish today myself! I love the taste of quinoa it is very healthy for you also. I love this recipe with all those veggies sounds great! Lovely picture makes me just want to dig right in. :)